Elinor’s Comments (group member since Apr 06, 2022)

Elinor’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Just a quikie to everyone - I've just realised The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (which I read for our challenge :)) has been banned in 12 districts in the US. Absolutely stunned. @Nanci, you may have already known but if not...

Hope you are all well, and have enjoyed the summer months. Autumn on its way, but we've been promised a suprisingly warm week here in Belgium - sounds like the weather is fast becoming more than a conversation starter.

Take care everyone. Missing the team spirit - can't wait for UNO next year :).

x

I'd like to nominate:



A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

Why? I've heard its fun(ny) and the cover rocks!

"Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o' joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose. Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee - and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff - thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her--and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter's new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny. But even clouds have their silver linings. This one's got Levi, Sunshine's sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshall. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol's normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty - and find the kidnapper who's terrorizing her beloved hometown - without falling head over high heels in love . . . or worse?"

I'd have volunteered for DQs but can't as hoping to finish Firekeeper's Daughter for Big Book Summer Challenge. I'll only reading Kaikeyi this month (it's supposed to be on its way...).

Participation Tracking:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

DQs: Day 5
Ch 32 - 38
20. In this section, Ursa relates what happened to her and her mother, but does it in a way that still works with her alien construct. Were there any aspects of the story that surprised you? Were you still hoping the alien part of the story was real? What was your take on Ursa’s origin story?

I was pretty sure she'd seen someone close get murdered - and also, had understood (after my initial ewwww reaction) that she was in her own live body and not the body of a dead person. I wasn't hoping for the alien part to be real - I liked the whole idea of her alien origins though - and Hetrayeh - and the link to her father Dylan.

21. Part of Ursa’s healing involves integrating her little girl and alien parts. Jo suggested that the alien could be the soul of Ursa. What is your take on Ursa’s assertion that “It’s more like the other way around: Ursa is the soul of me, the one who came from the stars.” How do you think this idea plays into the title of the book?

I like the idea that there's a bit of 'magic' in all of us. To me that translates to our innate gifts and abilities, things we just do and that work. To me the title of the book is multi-purpose: different sciences always have overlaps at some point; there's something magical about forests (and nature) too; science cannot quantify/qualify everything - there are so many mysteries that will never be uncovered; ...

22. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the idea of Ursa the alien giving off quarks that touch people’s lives - how all of us affect and are related to each other from a scientific standpoint., even if we can’t predict what the outcome will be. What are your thoughts around the quark idea? Just positive thinking?

I really relate to the quark idea - it comes back to what I was saying above about our innate qualities. We all have gifts, things we are inexplicably good at and that's how I rationalise the whole quark thing. Some of it's just pure luck (like right at the end), some of it is intuition (Jo and Gabe getting together), some of it is just unexplainable what I refer to as 'magic' or sometimes spiritual - I think we can have a deep spiritual connexion with people, and I don't mean necessarily in the biblical sense, more in the sense of there being a high level of connexion with some people that doesn't require constant communication, just feeling. Not sure my explanation is very clear here.

Edit: I still think they shouldn't be called quarks though, because they're already a thing.

23. A primary theme of the book is around the power of love - familial love, love of nature, chosen families - building nests with others to live. What did you think of how all the different families came together? And what about Lacey’s transformation from harridan to helpful - believable or just hopeful?

I agree love is one of the central themes in this book and it was mostly well developed. I didn't quite buy in to Lacey's transformation mostly because she would never have such a wonderful husband with her initial victim mentality, so it felt like she had split personality and went through a very sudden shift to being a mature, self-assured woman - when I truly believe that childhood trauma takes many years to get over, especially when it's shrouded in lies and secrecy (I mean the trust issues alone...). I felt the same about Gabe - you don't just 'erase' many years of hate and discomfort, just like you don't suddenly become non-anxious because you're in love (as I said, you might be able to for a time, but that would all be down to love hormones, and they don't last forever even in a stable relationship).

24. One part of the book that really resonated with me was Jo’s decision to “enter the darkness” with her dying mother, to be there fully with no regrets. That is the kind of emotional bravery I aspire to - shedding the self-protective shell to embrace a fuller loved and loving life. What aspects of the book struck a note for you? Do you believe that sometimes bad things happen to make way for better things next?

I think many bad things happen to open new horizons, and that it's more a question of philosophy the way you react to bad things. I'm pretty change resistant by nature - but I also recognise how good it can be :-).

25. What are your final thoughts on the book? Favorite moments or themes? Who else wants to adopt Ursa?

I enjoyed the book as whole - I love the nature theme and the disconnect from relentless technology. I don't want to adopt Ursa, I'd be worried about not handling things properly - but I'd love to be her (continually impressed) god mother.

I felt there were a lot of themes in this book, some were better explored than others, but for a debut it's already saying a lot of interesting things and taking on complex issues.

DQs Day 4 ~ Ch 23 to 31

15. George encounters Gabe and Jo by accident at the campus. What did you think about Jo’s attempt to make Gabe talk to George? Even more curious, what did you think of Gabe’s reaction to the talk he had with George?

I think it's good he spoke with his dad. I don't think I'd have been able to process whatever was said as fast as he did though - there's lots of heavy stuff going on, so I'd imagine it would take him some time to take it all on board.

16. Jo did a great job of keeping her cool and coming up with a plan to get Ursa and her out of the cabin when the men showed up. Did you see this coming? Or were you expecting a different outcome than men sneaking in guns blazing?

No, I can't say I'd imagined any of this. And why on earth do they (whoever they are) want Ursa dead?!

17. Gabe and Jo could be in trouble with the police, but it seems for child endangerment instead of killing two people/intruders. Gabe is trying to be the sensible one by telling Jo to contact a lawyer. What will happen? Do you think Jo and Gabe will be charged with a crime and if so, what?

I think they might be but I don't think anything 'bad' will come of it even if they are.

18. Whew, there was a lot going on in this section. When they returned to Effingham and stopped for dinner, I was pretty sure that we were going to encounter trouble! Ursa….She is obviously in the middle of something big and bad. After learning that Ursa is under police guard (or protection, maybe?), what do you think is the real story? (Or do you agree with Tabby’s thought that the government knows there is an alien in Ursa’s body?!)

Yes, there was obviously lots of weird stuff going on here. Perhaps a little disappointed that Ursa wasn't more keen to protect Jo and Gabe as she knows there are these baddies looking for her - I'm putting it down to her age but it doesn't sit quite right what with her being so intelligent. I'm not sure about the real story, I don't think she's an alien. I am wondering about the drawing of the gravestone, perhaps she witnessed someone close to her being murdered and escaped or something along those lines?

19. Gabe seems to have lost his reluctance to be out in the world. Were you surprised by this? What do you think brought about the change?

I wasn't sure about how well he manages in a town/city environment after so long in the countryside. That makes me think it's not entirely realistic re his anxiety disorders. But I can see him just having a good day, and some people do have that effect, they make you just want to enjoy life to the full - but it doesn't normally last. I will add that a lot is going in places he is actually quite familiar with even if a few years back, and that might be helping him quite a bit. We'll see what comes next.

Day 3- Chapters 15 - 22

11. We get an actual romance - you happy with this rather than friendship?

Definitely. It was going down that road, and I'm glad it's got there. Not sure whether it will last, Gabe's a little volatile and unpredictable (aka immature), but Jo definitely seems up to handling their relationship.

12. First kiss energy... Is this a thing?! I mean, GREAT kiss energy I get, but I've had some bad first kisses!

Lol. I guess I've had both - but I would think it's more about 'getting-together' energy than actually the first kiss itself. Pretty sure they're both maxed with endorphins however good or bad the kiss was.

13. So, George the bug man, quiet unshowy intelligence or Arthur the Renaissance man, had to have the limelight.... Which attitude do you prefer?

I prefer that George downplays his intelligence - Arthur is too insecure (but then we learn it's with good reason!). I do not approve of George going out with Arthur's wife though, nor do I approve of Arthur letting himself be trodden on like some old doormat. It's perculiar Gabe has never discussed this with his Mum or sister though (or even his father for that matter!).

14. Ewww! Hope Lovett haunting Gabe's mother and lover?!! Did you find any romance in the unveiling of this secret relationship? Do you buy Jo's view that as a poet, Katherine might have found a metaphor to support this trysting location?

Yes, just awful right? And the way he learns who his father is! Ugh... it made my skin crawl tbh. I can imagine some people finding romance in a graveyard, and I understand the poetic metaphor, but it wouldn't work for me, the idea of an 18-year old being buried just under us... just, no way!!

DQs Day 2
Ch 8-14

6. Have you ever eaten a meal that you provided all of the ingredients for (not by shopping for them?)
Basically, have you ever lived on a farm or ranch or foraged for a meal in the wilderness? (Dinner at Gabe’s house made me hungry.)

No, never. I did help out on a farm in Brittany when I was about 10 years old. We were staying at a neighbouring house (much like in this story) and I'd get up at the crack of dawn and help milk the cows, electrify fences, and so on. The farmer was a bit like Gabe in the sense he didn't mind my trotting along at all, and he'd show me how to tear an old bucket into squarish shapes to isolate the fence from the wire - except of course I just wasn't strong enough (and obviously I was nowhere near as talented as Ursa). In any event, memorable times were had - including the farmer getting chased up a tree by his bull, and his German Shepherd lending a helping paw/nip ^^!

7. What do you think of Jo and Gabe not being able to just turn Ursa in to child protective services? Do neither of them just want to be the bad guy? Is it at all realistic or a good idea that they are basically raising this child?

I guess in real life, it's not realistic at all (not to mention completely illegal), but the whole idea is sold on me, so I'm not letting it get to me!

8. In a world where half of the population is in therapy of some kind and the other half is on some kind of mood altering drugs, how is it that mental illness is still so stigmatized? What do you think of Gabe’s back story? (I am going to start using the word “kaplooey” in random sentences now.)

Just curious: are those really the official numbers?
We all go 'kaplooey' sometimes, am I right?

I think mental illness is stigmatised because of old beliefs and a dire lack of funding. Just look at the psychiatric wards in developed countries - a lot of them are shockingly outdated. I think people who suffer from mental disorders and illnesses still tend to keep it quiet. It takes a lot of maturity and acceptance to open up about mental stuff - it's like other people will freak out or start treating you like a fragile Fabergé egg (like his Mum and sister do to 'great effect'... ugh!), when you just need to be treated like everybody else and learn to express boudaries and limits that aren't quite the same as most people's. I love Gabe even more for his backstory, super relatable to me - I can't imagine the stress of going to uni where your Dad is a renowned teacher, must have been horrible! Plus, his Egg Therapy rocks :).

9. Tabby is pretty cool, yes? The trip to Urbana gave us a clue to where Ursa came from, but then it was dropped from the story. Do you think that Jo just didn’t notice, or is the author just playing with us?

She is seriously cool (and a bit nutty too). Glendy Vanderah is definitely playing with us - I need to know more!

10. So, family dynamics are fun, aren’t they? What are your impressions of Gabe’s sister and mom, and how they interact? How about the newly minted “family” of Gabe, Jo and Ursa?

Lol, yes family dynamics are... My initial impression of Gabe's mum was pretty good, but I'm not into his sister one bit - and that Karpman drama triangle is making me cringe. But as you say, family dynamics are fun. Or 'fun'.

Judith wrote: "Cat wrote: "Ursa is a better name than Earpood for sure!"

Well, that really is a low bar . . .LOL"

Lol. Agreed on all counts!

(Running a bit late but catching up with you guys - at least trying to :))

DQs Day 1
Ch 1 to 7

1.) What did you think of Jo's first encounter with Ursa? What do you think you would of done in that situation?

I've been enjoying all their interactions. Of course, I would have said she was crazy (the girl) and got her to the police station ASAP. But I like Jo's approach better :)!


2.) I like how Jo still thinks of Gabriel as Egg Man even after she knows his actual name. It reminds me of nicknames we'd give to crushes of people in my group of friends. Anyway, What are your thoughts about him, any guesses on what his deal might be?

Not sure. He was obviously (or perhaps still is) trying for a PhD (probably English literature?) but is in some way prevented from doing so. And he's old-fashioned, like he's from another era or another place - I was thinking perhaps English (you know, like 'whoopsadaisy' in Notting Hill), but he'd have an accent so... In any event, I'm intrigued and not yet sure what to make of him though I think he's a goodie.


3.) Jo, unsurprisingly called the police. Did deputy dog's (I don't remember his name) response come as a surprise? Do you think his assessment was wrong?

I didn't like this character at all. His conclusion may be for the better, but I didn't feel he reacted like a cop. He came across pretty oblivious to the young girl's plight.


4.) Does Ursa inhabiting a dead girl's body creep you out a bit? Do you think that may cause issues in future?

Yes, it does and I can see how it might cause problems. What if she meets her parents or whoever killed her - so far, I'm assuming she was beaten to death? Also, not sure how the body 'preserves' and how come it's not rotting in any way (apologies, this is really gory, but that's what's happening in my mind - yuk - I try not think about it because I do so like the alien girl!).


5.) The pop in of colleagues was interesting and allowed for some backstory of Jo's to be worked into the story. Do you think Tanner will pop back in at some point? What did you think of their conversation and Jo's inner thoughts on how men react to her once they 'know' her 'situation'?

I hope he won't - he sounds pretty insensitive for someone who's had ages to think about everything surrounding her cancer - or perhaps he's a little immature (?). I'm all for Egg Man coming into Jo's life and Tanner leaving it!

It's a daring topic to choose to discuss in the book and I like that the author is giving space for all sides to express views - it's easy for me to judge Tanner from the comfort of my couch, but I guess I'd feel a little uncomfortable myself (though I hope it wouldn't be for long!). Tanner's views are pretty 'crude' imo I guess: "no hair", "no breasts", "menopause" - he's not thinking in shades about what's happening, and sensitivity is key for cancer patients and cancer survivors, especially as she is so very young and has had to give up on lots of important things like motherhood (at least in the 'classical' sense), and the hormonal changes she's undergoing will make her age faster probably, despite her treatment. Not to mention she's lost her mother too... that's a lot to cope with at any age, and she's still so young! It's interesting though, because so far, I'm not feeling really sad - it's more of a hopeful story at this stage for me.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars - Glendy Vanderah - August 2023

Participation Tracking

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Cat wrote: "@Elinor - I can see what that song lyrics would be in your head!
also, re the Crisis and detail of how it happened - do you think Ng decided to put all the detail in to show how close we are in rea..."

That's an excellent point Cat - now that I've finished reading the book, and the Author's note, I do believe you're right and that the author's intention was getting us to 'wake up now', rather than sit it out and wait and forget ourselves (I think a lot of people forget that our lives are pretty luxurious compared to - say - barely 100 years ago, and it's easy to just 'live' without stopping and checking out the bigger picture now and again).

A couple of her reading suggestions struck me -
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, which I might grab,
and The Power of the Powerless by Václav Havel (which I probably won't, I'm pretty useless with essays if I'm honest).

I can't help but wonder how much of "On Tyranny" would be applicable to the European context - I'll look into it, see if it's worth getting hold of. It seems to me a lot of what used to be the leading world si slowly slipping into complacency - politically and socially. It would be great to have some keys about how to avoid slip slidin' away...

Edit: Apologies if I sound bleak - I feel like I'm being realistic but I sincerely hope I'm freaking out for nothing!

Participation Tracking:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

DQs Day 4 ~ (Starts…. ”As she gathered more…”)

16. When Bird and Margaret are reunited, Margaret tells him all about why she left and what led up to it. She paints a very different picture from how she had been portrayed by the media and people in general. Seems she wasn’t an activist by choice, but instead because of what other people did with her poems. What did you think about her journey and how did it make you feel for her, Ethan and Bird?

I think she took a brave stance by embracing what had happened, and what people were willing to cede her, even if it did make her a vessel - and of course the activist she had never meant to become. It's interesting, because now her poems will forever hold the meaning that people projected onto them without the author's consent, only making her seem even more like an activist through and through, erasing the subtlety of her journey. I think it's an interesting ride and it may have been worth it for Ethan and Bird too.

17. Sadie and Bird have a constant struggle with their missing parents but their ways of coping with and trying to understand the why of it is very different. Yet they have a very strong friendship. What do you think drives the different strategies for coping and draws them together as friends?

It seems to me to be a straight-forward friendship - there is strong common ground but also an "opposites attract" component. They obviously have been affected by the Crisis in different ways if you look into the specifics but both know what it is to lose a parent, to be different from the crowd. Their different personalities and experiences bring out different reactions, but like all friends they look on in wonder or bewilderment as the other takes steps, and makes decisions. I think Sadie is bound to be the more wild of the two, having lost both parents and then been fostered - Bird's Dad is his rock, and having a safe place to retreat to is so important to feel grounded.

18. After Bird and Margaret have played the bottle cap game and spread them out over the city. Margaret has a sudden change of heart and says she can’t do it because it nor anything is worth the risk. This causes an argument between the two with Bird saying some very strong things to his mother. What do you think brought about these role-reversing reactions in each of them? Do you think they were justified in these reactions?

I understood both of them in that moment - Bird is literally within reach for Margaret, why give that up for anything?
And from Bird's point of view, Margaret has been away for so long, how could she give up now on her masterplan after having sacrificed so much on behalf of all three of them?

In hindsight, I think Bird will punish himself in the years to come over those few words exchanged in anger... and that's pretty tragic for him as a person. Also his unending quest for her poems is a pretty sad place to go for a child, even more so given that the poems were truly about nature, life, etc.

19. Margaret could have gone into hiding with Ethan and Bird, but instead she felt she had to tell the stories of the taken children. Why do you think it was so important to her to tell the stories especially after her argument with Bird? Do you think the stories had an impact on the people who heard them or caused any type of change to begin in their society as a whole?

She got drawn into this whole thing by life - by other people. They had become, I guess, her way of justifying not seeing her son, of giving meaning to it all. Her argument with Bird just acts to cement her initial resolve. I think the stories had an impact - we are told many people in the streets are crying. Will society change now? I don't think so. But those seeds will grow, people will think, and over time this moment will become a contributing factor to change.

20. What was your overall impression of the story and of the book’s ending? Did the ending feel somber, hopeful, or something else?

Overall, I felt this was a story that needed to be told. After the first few pages, I thought - ugh, a sob story. But the book changed and we come onto finding Margaret - this was to me the most interesting part of the book because I was in the thick of it - the action, but also getting a more thourough understanding of the world in the book. I thought for a moment it might take on a fable-esque hue, with Domi being very rich and magical thinking sprinkled here and there. The ending was too realistic to satisfy this reader because I believe these books (like The Testaments by Margaret Atwood) should deliver hope and inspiration to do things differently as of today, not to feel hopeless and dejected. This was the time for Margaret Miu to rise and shine, and live for her next resistance idea, not to die a martyr in such a silly way.

DQs Day 3: from "It started slowly at first..." to "...mirrored letters tattooed on her cheek."

11. We get a flashback into Margaret's life - what do you think about the contrast between her life growing up (parents wanting her to conform) and her approach to Bird's upbringing? (especially given she presents herself as being pretty apolitical)

I haven't really thought about it to be honest. I think she wasn't into the political side of things at all and that she lived without any concern re PACT for a very long time. And then, when things got really bad, she left abruptly to protect her son. So, I feel this is a pretty conforming, non conflictual behaviour on her part - the only liberty I suppose was getting Bird to be called Bird rather than Noah - an artist's prerogative?

12. We see the start of the Crisis - is this what you expected?

Yes, and in my view there was a little too much of it because it so closely mirrors other similar events in history - I felt there was nothing original about this downward spiral and perhaps it didn't need that much of an explanation. Might be just me though.

13. There's a brief mention about the passing of PACT, with only a miniority of legislators and commentators objecting to the child removal clause, the rest believing in this being for extremes only. Do you think this is realistic of politics around legislation of this nature?

Unfortunately, I do believe these "little" clauses that get subsequently misued and abused, are pretty typical. I also think we (who are fortunate enough to live in democracies) could fight a lot more for the small print to be removed - but it often requires legal knowledge and, I for one, do not possess enough of it.

14. I mentioned that Margaret presents herself as apolitical, until her poem is used by a complete stranger to make astrong political point. Do you believe that her poems were written with a small focus on her life and nature, as she represents to Bird, or is that her being disingenuous?

So far I'm taking it at face value - whatever is happening in the story, it's an interesting point that anybody can interpret works of art however they want - so in effect any work could be used in this way. I draw a parallel with inventors too - whatever they intend their invention to be for, doesn't mean we won't find a better or more sinister use for it.

15. I think there's an interesting question or discussion to be had about the reading into artists works of things that they didn't intend. Do you think that we should be careful to take the meaning(s) intended by creators, or is the point of art (writing, music, etc etc) that people can and should take what they want, even if that was not intended?

This is definitely the crux of the argument. I feel that art is a form of a giving up something to interpretation i.e. I don't believe the creator can be solely responsible for the meaning of a work of art because art is an exchange: if there is no observer, the artist cannot be heard/seen - and therefore is talking to themselves. So, yes, I believe artists have little choice but to accept that people may (mis-)interpret their art, but this certainly doesn't mean that they agree with what other people are making of their art or that they are responsible for it.

DQs Day 2 "Today his father doesn't say anything…” to "There was no curfew yet.”

6.) The glimpse into what Bird’s father was like before PACT, with him teaching him about his mother’s name was revealing. Have you ever had to go against your own principles to protect another?
Do you feel anything more or different for Ethan now?

Yes, I have had to go against my principles to protect someone's reputation. In retrospect, I would definitely search for middle ground more as it can be a heavy and lonesome road to take. I feel pretty sorry for Bird's father - but also respect everything he's doing to protect his son. I love the linguistics parts (perhaps I should go back to uni to study linguistics properly!). I feel the author is doing a very good job of portraying his passion, from different angles (the birch tree, the chinese characters, the dis words, etc.)

7.) Did you like the story the Boy Who Drew Cats? Why do you think Margaret chose this story for Bird to remember?

Yes I did enjoy it - I suppose she's trying to get Bird to understand that the answers are within yourself regardless of what others think, and that gifts should be used wisely. Something like that...

8.) This bloody world. Wow. An underground network of people just trying to find out that their children are still alive and well?
Can you even imagine? What do you think of the librarian now? Could you do what she is doing, do you think?

I felt her first characterisation, was brilliant. Now, she's just become a normal human being again - I don't think I'd be brave enough to do what she does sadly - nevertheless I'm less excited than I was initally about this librarian. The way she explains her remembering Bird seems a little far fetched to me.

9.) Do you think you would have done what Bird is doing and try to find your mom? Do you like her so far?
What is Margaret building with her wires and pipe?

At his age, I'd certainly not have had the nerve but I admire his. I don't know if I like her yet. On the one hand, it seems cruel to have left her son behind without any form of contact aside from the "cat letter"; on the other, she's intriguing and seems to have a rich life (both inside and out).

Edit: forgot to say I think the wires and pipes are going to get used in some massive work of art - like the one in the trees. If she weren't a pacifist, the librarian wouldn't have resented Margaret Miu "not doing anything" (or something to that effect).

10.) How do you think this country got to this point? How could it happen today? I wonder if we will get a glimpse of what other countries are like. Is America like Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale, or have other countries followed suit?

In my opinion it got to this point with the usual propaganda. Of course, it could happen today - perhaps we're even in a worse situation than some years ago because of social media: everyone can post anything. This requires each and every one of us to make enquiries and fact-check whatever is being said, and its political leaning. This means taking the time to put in the hard work before reposting but most people just believe whatever is trending. The infamous Breitbart video spreading misleading information about COVID is a typical example of this - the video went viral (excuse the pun) even though a ten-minute search lead to its dubious outlet and the string of "Notable Events" detailed on the corresponding Wikipedia page.

In this story, I'm not sure what the outside world looks like, I hope there are still sain people around somewhere.

Additional inspiration for me
Since Day 1, I keep thinking about "Né en 17 à Leidenstadt" (Born in Leidenstadt in 1917) by Jean-Jacques Goldmann in which he sings:

(partial lyrics)
"On saura jamais c'qu'on a vraiment dans nos ventres
Caché derrière nos apparences
L'âme d'un brave ou d'un complice ou d'un bourreau
Ou le pire ou le plus beau
Serions nous de ceux qui résistent ou bien les moutons
D'un troupeau
S'il fallait plus que des mots
Et qu'on nous épargne à toi et moi si possible très longtemps
D'avoir à choisir un camp"

Which very loosely translates to (feel free to correct/amend):

"We'll never really know what's in our guts
Hidden behind appareances
The soul of a brave man or an accomplice or an executioner
Or the ugliest or the best?
Would we be one of those who can resist or would we be a sheep
In a flock
If more than words were required?
Let's hope you and I will both escape for a long time
Having to choose a side"

I love how humble the lyrics are, written by a jewish song writer, who ponders which side he'd have chosen if he'd been 'German' in those days. I'm afraid there's no pretty answer to that question because fear, propaganda/disinformation, and our instinct to survive are all so very powerful. We can only hope we'd be one of the brave people doing the right thing.

Jenny wrote: "DQs Day 1
Beginning to ends "know where she'd gone."

1.) Thoughts on the world building, what the influences/inspiration behind this story might of been?
This world is horrible and terrifying, and..."

Your answers to 3 & 4 sent shivers down my spine. We're reading fiction yet, sadly, some of it's on the cusp of reality.

Our Missing Hearts - Celeste Ng - August 2023

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DQs Day 1
Beginning to ends "know where she'd gone."

1.) Thoughts on the world building, what the influences/inspiration behind this story might of been?

I think this book was inspired by two real-world influences: the rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID pandemic and the increase in books being banned in the US.

2.) How do you think you'd feel if your parent's work became a tagline for a rebellious movement that puts a price on their head and maybe even yours? Proud? Scared? Angry?

I think as a child I'd be scared, as a teenager I'd be angry, and as an adult I would be proud of them and my roots.

3.) Why does every tyrannical political regime have a component of "turning in your neighbor" for being unpatriotic (or whatever) as part of its foundational behaviors? More importantly, why does it always seem to work?

There really is strength in numbers and most people believe in authority and the law. So I think this kind of propaganda calls on people's sense of duty in the face of fear and they will enforce rules especially if they are not affected directly by them (i.e. Asians are a minority, so it's easy, sadly, from a place of 'privilege' or what I call 'majority', to underestimate/ignore the effect PACT is having on the Asians in this story).

The COVID pandemic and measures that were put in place around the world, sometimes without constitutional backing, showed us how easily this can be done - all while asking people to 'do the right thing'. It was astonishingly easy to change people's behaviour - and I'm not criticizing the measures per se, just pointing out that specific fact: most people did what they were told to do (and perhaps, in this case, rightly so but let's wait to have enough hindsight).

4.) All those books, just gone from the public library. My book loving heart just broke. How did this scene make you feel? What's up with that librarian?

It felt... like having those teeth pulled out basically - ugh...

I love books. I love physical books. I don't believe in banning books, any books. I believe in empowering people to use their minds, their hearts, their education, their knowledge to read books with curiosity and using critical thinking. I loved the librarian character - there's definitely something with her - a sympathiser, perhaps a friend of Bird's mum? Can't wait to find out! But she definitely stuck out. Fingers crossed she's a goodie.

5.) What to you think the deal is with Bird's father? Why no longer a professor? Why do you think he split from Bird's mother?

My thoughts so far is they may have decided to separate to protect Bird/Noah and allow his mother to do the right thing and fight PACT. That's what I'm hoping: that his father is in it too, but keeping cover for Bird's sake.

Yay! Well done Team!! 🎉🥳🤩💃🕺

Thank you Mel ♥️